This is Communications Director Gregg Overman with the Information Hotline for Tuesday, March 31.

Prior to this week’s sessions, the mediator had suggested several agenda additions which management subsequently rejected because they felt the existing agenda was already too aggressive. Then as scheduled discussions on scope were about to begin this morning, AA negotiators reported they were unprepared and unwilling to discuss scope and instead wanted to go off the agenda and present a financial briefing. When questioned, the AA negotiators acknowledged that this unscheduled financial briefing only contained public information that was widely covered in the news media last week. The mediator allowed the briefing to proceed, stating that he has not been “paying attention” to the company’s latest financial reports.

Bargaining finally began after 11 a.m. During a discussion of APA’s proposal for minimal accommodations at domicile flight operations, LGA ops was highlighted as the perfect example why minimum standards are needed. The afternoon session was spent discussing training—and more specifically, distance learning—and APA passed a sick/personal time proposal for management’s consideration. AA negotiators did pass a single counter-proposal on distance learning during the day’s session.

That’s all we have for today. Remember, your participation is essential to your success in getting the contract you deserve! Thanks for checking this hotline.